Powdering his hands with chalk, Luke Holmes prepares to take on the rock wall in front of him.
The 15-year-old pulls and pushes his way up with something more than exercise on his mind.
“I think it’s cool how, by climbing, I can donate money to help others,” Luke says during a training session Wednesday at Tennessee Bouldering Authority Gym in St. Elmo.
The gym is hosting a climbing competition at 6 p.m. today to raise money for African children suffering from AIDS. The event is part of Climb Up So Kids Can Grow Up, a charity challenge initiative of the American Foundation for Children with AIDS.
IF YOU GO * What: Climbing competition for Climb Up So Kids Can Grow Up, an AIDS fundraiser* When: 6-9 p.m. tonight* Where: Tennessee Bouldering Authority, 3804 St. Elmo Ave.* Cost: $15 to compete, free for spectatorsSource: Tennessee Bouldering AuthorityABOUT THE CHARITYIn three years, Climb Up So Kids Can Grow Up has raised $120,000 to help children with AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa. In 2005, 14 million children were living with or orphaned by AIDS in Africa.Donations can be made at www.tbagym.com or at www.climbupsokidscangrowup.comSource: American Foundation for Children with AIDS
Climb Up invites people to get involved in self-directed or pre-planned events, said Bill Rowland, event marketing manager for Climb Up. The foundation “actually converts all donations into medicine or medical equipment here and ships it, as opposed to just handing over a check,” Mr. Rowland said.
This is the first time the Tennessee Bouldering Authority Gym has hosted a climbing competition for charity, said Kasia Pietras, the gym staff member who organized the event.
“We want to show that we care about more than just climbing,” she said.
Part of the proceeds from the all-level competition will go to the charity, along with funds raised from a bake sale, a raffle and a youth team climb-a-thon during the event.
The gym hopes to raise about $500 for Climb Up, said Ms. Pietras.
“I think it’s awesome,” said A.J. Hanson, 16, who will be climbing at tonight’s event. “It feels like you’re really going to do something.”
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